Mobile Lifting Column for Rail-Car Maintenance Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lifting systems for rail-cars restrict maintenance and repair flexibility by engaging the vehicle between wheels and shafts, limiting access and requiring specific locations for maintenance, and are inefficient during rail-car breakdowns.
Innovation Solution
A mobile lifting column with a movable carrier, drive, and positioning lifting means, such as hydraulic cylinders or electric actuators, allowing flexible positioning and independent movement relative to the rail-car, including vertical and horizontal adjustments, and optional in-ground or pit installation with locking mechanisms for safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an in-ground lifting cylinder is used to lift a rail-car, then the rail-car can be lifted from the rails, but access to the bogie and wheels is blocked and maintenance personnel freedom of operation is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting function is extracted from a fixed in-ground cylinder and transferred to a mobile lifting column with a carrier that can be positioned independently. This allows the lifting mechanism to be removed from the maintenance area, providing unobstructed access to the bogie and wheels while maintaining the ability to lift the rail-car when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting system transitions from a static in-ground cylinder to a dynamic mobile lifting column with a movable carrier. The carrier can move vertically along the mast and the entire column can be relocated to different positions, enabling flexible positioning that accommodates both lifting operations and maintenance access requirements
2Reliability
If a conventional lifting cylinder engages the rail-car between wheels and shafts, then lifting is achieved, but maintenance and repair are restricted to specific locations
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile lifting column serves multiple functions: it can lift the rail-car at various positions along the tracks, provide stable support during maintenance operations, and be relocated to different locations as needed. This multi-functional design eliminates the restriction to specific maintenance locations while maintaining reliable lifting capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a mobile lifting column with movable carrier that can be dynamically positioned at different locations along the rail tracks, rather than being fixed in a specific position. This dynamic positioning capability enables maintenance and repair operations to be performed at any location along the tracks
3Reliability
If an in-ground lifting cylinder is used, then lifting capability is provided, but the system cannot be used efficiently during rail-car breakdowns anywhere along the rails
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile lifting column with movable carrier can be rapidly deployed to different locations along the rail tracks in response to breakdowns. The entire column can be relocated and the carrier positioned vertically to provide lifting capability wherever the rail-car needs assistance, rather than being confined to a fixed location
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting system is divided into separable components: a mobile column structure and a vertically movable carrier. This segmentation allows the system to be transported to breakdown locations and quickly assembled or deployed, providing efficient response to rail-car failures anywhere along the tracks
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances maintenance and repair flexibility by enabling independent positioning and lifting of rail-cars, allowing for efficient maintenance and repair at any location, including during breakdowns, without the constraints of traditional in-ground systems.
Implementation Method 1
the lifting means comprising positioning means for moving of the lifting means relative to the carrier
Implementation Method 2
the lifting means comprising positioning means for moving of the lifting means relative to the carrier
Implementation Method 3
the lifting column according to the present invention comprises moving means, such as rollers or wheels, to enable transfer and positioning of the lifting column relative to the rail-car
Implementation Method 4
the lifting column according to the present invention comprises moving means, such as rollers or wheels, to enable transfer and positioning of the lifting column relative to the rail-car
Data Source
AI summary
A lifting column, lifting system and method for lifting a vehicle, such as a rail-car. The lifting column includes a frame having a movable carrier; a drive operably connected to the frame for the lifting or lowering of the carrier; and a lifter attached to the carrier for lifting the vehicle to be lifted. The lifter includes a positioner for moving of the lifter relative to the carrier.